Hiking Trails
Hiking trails into the heart of the protected preserve are located at the main entrance, along the south edge of the preserve. The hiking trails cut through numerous changes in elevation to take you through sinks, upland forests, and prairies. Directions to the hiking trailhead: Take CR 232/Millhopper Road and drive approximately four miles west of Gainesville.
Map of Hiking Trails north of Millhopper road
Map of Hiking Trails south of Millhopper road
Horse Trails
The equestrian trails offer a 3.6 mile and a 4.4 mile interconnected loop system. Except at intersections with bike trails, the horse trails are exclusively for equestrian and pedestrian activities. Directions to the equestrian trailhead: Take I-75 to U.S. 441 (Milepost Exit 399 - Old Exit 78) and drive south 2.8 miles (through the city of Alachua). Turn right onto Progress Blvd. Drive 0.7 miles to the park entrance. (Continue past the end of the pavement and onto the grade road.)
Map of Horse Trails
Mountain Bike Trails
The more than 30 miles of mountain bike trails are a network of cross-country single-track that threads through the numerous ecologic zones of this park.
The trails, which can be ridden in either direction, take advantage of elevation changes to provide delightful rides of varying lengths
that are within the abilities of the majority of mountain bikers.
Olympic and world class riders have been known to enjoy their rides here. Maps are in the mailbox at the trailhead kiosk.
Directions to the mountain bike trailhead: Take I-75 to U.S. 441 (Milepost Exit 399 - Old Exit 78) and drive south 2.8 miles (through the city of Alachua).
Turn right onto Progress Blvd. Drive 0.7 miles to the park entrance. (Continue past the end of the pavement and onto the grade road.)
Map of Bicycle Trails
Mountain biking can be a dangerous activity. Use these trails at your own risk. Always wear a helmet.
WARNING: Due to the distance of most trails from the trailhead, ALWAYS CARRY WATER with you when you ride. Carrying a patch kit, spare tube, and tools for trail-side repairs is strongly advised.
Trails
Cottontail Trail
This 1 mile loop, suitable for beginners, starts at the bike trailhead parking lot
and brings you back to the park entrance, bathrooms, and picnic pavilion. This trail has almost no elevation change and most of it is in the
shade of the tree line.
Cellon Creek Loop
This 4.5 mile loop, geared to intermediate riders, starts at the bike trailhead parking lot,
and winds east along the south side of Cellon Creek to a power line, which is your access point to the remaining trails in the park.
There is a picnic table set at a scenic point.
From the power line, the trail turns north across the creek, and then goes back into the hammock and west
along the north side of the creek. There are some small elevation changes that add to the experience.
The trail comes out of the hammock along the northern boundary of the park (which can be flooded following heavy rains) and follows the fence line to the bathrooms
and picnic pavilion.
Tung Nut Loop
This trail is for more advanced and fit riders due to short, steep climbs and drops.
This 8 mile loop begins at the eastern end of Cellon Creek Loop.
The trail winds through hills, open fields, and hammocks. You ride past Tung Nut Depot, and the trail skirts along the rim of Sanchez Prairie.
After passing the picnic table (at an area known as power bar overlook), the trail heads down toward Itchy Bottom Lake, where you can take a short spur to a
scenic overlook of the lake. Take the double track west and north to complete the loop.
Tortoise Tumble
This short trail can be used as a shortcut on Tung Nut Loop.
Hammock Hub
This 1.5 mile loop features short, steep climbs and drops, which present challenges for some and fun for others.
Access this trail via a short connector from Tung Nut Loop at the picnic table (at an area known as power bar overlook).
Conquistador
This 2.5 mile loop, accessed from Hammock Hub, is for advanced riders only. This trail features tight turns and short, steep elevation changes with multiple approaches to Sanchez Prairie.
Sweetgum
This 1.5 mile loop can be accessed via connector trails from either Hammock Hub or Bramble Ramble.
There is some elevation change, but it is mostly sweeping curves. When you take the southeast exit from Sweetgum toward Ravine, there is a picnic table at the horse trail
crossing.
Bramble Ramble
This 1 mile trail connects Tung Nut Loop near Itchy Bottom Lake to Sweetgum.
The trail rambles through blackberry patches and under longleaf pines, gently gaining or losing elevation.
It is a great way to get to the more remote trails without the repeated climbs found on Tung Nut Loop.
Canebrake 8
This 0.8 mile loop is accessed from a connector off Sweetgum. The trail is in the shape of a figure 8.
The trail is on either side of a seasonal seephead stream, crossing it at the waist of the 8. There is fast elevation change with a steep rooty section.
Warning The following trails are a long way from the trailhead and water. Before riding on these trails, verify that you have an appropriate amount of food, water, and daylight remaining. Carrying a patch kit, spare tube, and tools for trail-side repairs is strongly advised. Consider traveling with a buddy or carrying a cell phone to communicate if you have a problem. A GPS may be helpful if you're unfamiliar with these trails.
Ravine
This trail follows a ravine with quick, steep ups and downs for thrills. It connects to several trails,
such as Canebrake 8, Sweetgum, and Odd Buck.
Live Oak Loop
This 1 mile loop features rolling terrain and passes an old farm building. It is accessed from
Canebrake 8.
Odd Buck
This 1.7 mile loop got its name from the 9-point and 7-point deer skulls found when planning this trail.
This trail is accessed from the easternmost point of the Ravine trail. It features some elevation change, and combines fun riding with beautiful scenery.
Soggy Bottom
This 1 mile flat loop meanders through a hammock in a floodplain that borders Turkey Creek.
To access this trail, take the connector off the easternmost point of Odd Buck. After heavy rain, this trail can be underwater.
Redbug Run
This 1 mile loop has challenging, steep climbs and drops. This trail is accessed by taking the connector
off the east side of Soggy Bottom, crossing the horse trail with caution. The connector will take you to the bicycle bridges that cross Turkey Creek.
(At wet times, the approach to the bridges can be flooded, prohibiting access to trails beyond this point.)
There is a picnic table on the island, which makes this a popular rest stop. Continue beyond the creek for about a half mile to this trail.
Dogwood Loop
This 1 mile loop is relatively flat and passes through a pine forest. To access this trail, take the connector
off the easternmost point of Redbug Run.
Pine For You
This 2.5 mile loop features some elevation change and beautiful scenery. In addition to the pine forest,
there are several massive oak trees. To access this trail, take the connector off the easternmost point of Dogwood Loop.
Hidden Rise
This 3 mile loop features a couple of challenging hills and a short bridge. To access this trail,
take the connector off Pine For You.